GALLAGHER: Credits his father

they grow up, you start to feel the great responsibility that comes with that.”

Gallagher credits his father, a local rice farmer, for teaching him the value of family time; his dad often brought him along to help with the fields growing up.

“I think (about) the importance of making time for your kids and trying to incorporate them into what you do,” Gallagher said. “I can remember him taking us along with him to go irrigate and check the water and fields.”

Following his father’s example, Gallagher makes a point of bringing his kids to work from time to time.

“Being in this position it can be tough; there’s a lot of nights where I’m home late, but I try to be there every night before the kids go to bed,” he said. “My life can be a little crazy sometimes, so we try to do everything together. I’ve brought the kids to the capitol with me, and my wife and family often attend events.”

Not only does taking the kids to work allow him to spend quality time with them, it also gives them a unique insight into the state’s political system.

“I think they do actually get a lot out of it,” Gallagher said. “They ask about what happened on the floor. It’s kind of an educational opportunity for them; not all kids get to see that.”

However, Gallagher always makes sure to schedule family time away from work. Sometimes that means he has to turn down workrelated functions, but Gallagher said it’s the key to achieving a healthy balance.

“I want to be a good representative, but I also really want to be a good dad,” Gallagher said. “I don’t want to get so completely wrapped up in things that I forget to do the things that are the most important – I think people understand that.”

In fact, Gallagher believes being family-oriented is one of his biggest strengths as a representative.

“I do think as I’m representing this area, I think of families that are like my own. ‘How does this affect working families?’”